Essential Oils of the Scriptures

Part 1

It All Started at the Beginning of Creation…

It all started in Genesis! From the very beginning of the creation story, plants and herbs are mentioned. Plants are not only fundamental for our planet, but they are also intimately tied to the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of people. This has been noted since the beginning of time.

These passages support that notion.

Ezekiel 47:12

Revelation 22:2

Herbs, Oils and Essential Oils Used for Incense and Prayer

Oils were essential to daily living back in Biblical times. In fact, the word “oil” appears in the Bible 190 times which is more than the words believe, grace and joy!

There are mixed opinions on whether fragranced oils (early versions of essential oils) were truly essential oils or if they were just olive oil that was heavily infused with different herbs and plants. As early as 3500 B.C. distillation pots have been found.

Biblical References to Incense

In Exodus 30:34-35, the Lord actually gives Moses a Holy Incense recipe. They then use that recipe later when a plague came through in the book of Numbers 17: 11-13.

Anointing & Oils in Ancient Times

Oils were used for both anointing and healing in the Bible. God also gives Moses a Holy Anointing Oil Recipe in Exodus. How cool is it that God is giving out recipes 🙂

Fun facts

500 Shekels is about 12.5 lbs, and a hin is 1 gallon. So this recipe made up about 24 quarts of oil! You can imagine the value of this oil blend! This blend was also put on wafers and unleavened bread and eaten, which shows that essential oils were used topically and internally.

The Importance of Anointing

Now, let’s back up for a minute and talk about the practice of anointing which was big in Biblical times and unfortunately has become lost over the years. The origin of anointing was from the shepherds of the day. Lice and other insects would often get into the wool of sheep. From this, anointing became symbolic of blessing, protection, and empowerment.

The New Testament Greek words for “anoint” are:

chrio which means “to smear or rub with oil” and, by implication, “to consecrate for office or religious service”

aleipho which means “to anoint

During Biblical times, people were anointed with oil to signify God’s blessing. They were also used to call that person to role or position in their life.